- Zimbabwe
About Program
Our wildlife conservation volunteers take part in the real, everyday work that keeps our beautiful wildlife reserve thriving. Each day brings something different, and no two days are the same. This is for those who want genuine exposure to wildlife reserve management rather than formal training or classroom instruction. Volunteers work alongside experienced field staff and contribute to real conservation outcomes.
A key part of the program is assisting with our wildlife research, setting up trail cameras, and analysing footage to keep track of numbers and diversity of our shy carnivores and a few of our key non-carnivore species. Volunteers also assist in daily reserve management tasks such as putting out salt licks, checking waterholes, road repair work, and general veld management as required. Additionally, the anti-poaching team always welcomes extra eyes when doing boundary patrols and snare sweeps.
Program Highlights
- Get involved in research, monitoring our leopards and brown hyena populations and movements.
- Gain an understanding of what it takes to manage a wildlife reserve in Africa
- Be part of our 2nd and 3rd generation family living out here in the African wild and experience our unique Zimbabwean culture
- Learn to identify animal spoor and develop basic tracking techniques alongside experienced field staff.
- Assist with snare sweeps, camera monitoring, drone work, and learn how anti-poaching operations are carried out on the ground.
Video and Photos
Program Impact
Volunteer involvement focuses on three core areas: reserve maintenance, anti-poaching support, and wildlife research.
Days typically begin early with a morning briefing followed by field activities while temperatures are cooler. Morning work may include reserve maintenance tasks, patrol support, camera checks, or tracking-related activities depending on priorities for the day.
Lunch is followed by a rest period during the hottest part of the day. Afternoon activities may involve lighter field tasks, research-related work, or preparation for upcoming conservation activities. Some days may include late-afternoon field outings. Evenings are generally relaxed, with time to review the day’s work, discuss conservation challenges, and enjoy the bush setting. Daily schedules remain flexible and are shaped by weather, wildlife activity, and operational needs, reflecting the realities of working on a functioning wildlife reserve.
